Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Occasionally I am fortunate to test patterns for Sara.
I love trying other peoples ideas out, and it tests my skills as I interpret someone else's instructions other than mine! I get to feel like my students!

Sewing pattern instructions have their own 'lingo' and form. I get my classes to go through them and we highlight the verbs (the 'doing' words or action words). I tell them its about physically playing with the pieces and taking each verbs and the phrase accompanying it to crack the code. ..."MATCH the right dies of the main pieces together..." means pick up the main pieces. look for the right side - the coloured or printed side you want - and match the raw edges.

And so it is when I read others' instructions!

Enter Sloan.

Well written, illustrated and with hints for success.
Sloan is a big overnight bag. zippered pocket at the front and two side pockets to pop little bits into.
A big pocket or two on the inside, a an elasticised key tab....brilliant!
As you can see I have used different fabrics for the lining. Spotlight had a fat quarter sale. I pretty much cleaned out two stores! $1 each! You bewdy!

I used some Spoonflower suede. I had it on hand, having played with pixel sizes using a photo of some scrappy patchwork I had done earlier. It was very thick together with lining and interfacing and Soft and Stable. Lets just say there was some quiet cursing and mumbling under my breath as as I completed the top seam and top stitching! I would not recommend this combination of fabrics on a domestic machine! BUT, it does provide excellent stability and body!

Give it go! It has already had a trip to school loaded up...Im thinking of a bigger trip away to really give it a test!

Monday, February 23, 2015

Going for the Boho-Festival look, they are creating a simple kimono influenced 'cardy' (I know Girls, you say its a bit 'nana' to call them that!)
I designed their major task and design folio around it for their semester course. Off course I had to create a couple for mock ups and because I love doing this!

Why do I love this?

experimenting with the microwave to set the ink ( Much better then the 3 hour steaming I used to do!!! But watch the timing on different size pieces!)

taking a very random approach to how the due is applied - except of course COLOUR COMBINATIONS! (I provided the class with some YouTube clips and they did some searching too)

working with a limited 2 metre length and minimising waste

experimenting with folding and twists to create the pattern....I love a bit of 'fabric origami'!

a-line shaping

bit of a sleeve for coverage

funky fringe at the base. (the Girls are want to get some of this I'm sure, its not in their provided supplies)

Here's the assessment task and rubric for the design folio. (To suit Technologies - Materials Products SACE for those of youi n South Australia) Its quite structured as I have some in the class that have had no experience in Textiles since Yr 8, but still allows students to reach an A grade within it. I've also staggered the due dates.......are you a last minute worker! :-) As Ive said to the class this task is about exploring the design process and making a product to the highest standard they can. Its simple to sew, but the habutai silk can be tricky and the need to seam neatness is paramount.

So far the dyeing has been brilliant! I'll share photos of their lengths later.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

I know! It's been AGES since I posted here!
I have been sewing on and off over the Christmas New Year, mainly pattern testing for Sew Sweetness - a big overnighter bag and a camera bag - and sewing for 'Shoeboxes of Love' - an charity that makes care packages for volunteers and the victims of disasters. (We had some major fires here in Adelaide.)

So I thought I'd share the task I did with my Year 9 students, focussing on collaborative production line sewing to make more drawstring bags!

Three weeks to start off the term. They each got to make and keep a few as they learnt the skills then we spent four lesson x 50 minutes one week in teams pushing out as many as we could. Fabric donated by friends and community was used. Teams of two or more - we had some reluctant group participants - but most were in groups of four. over the week they collectively made 125 bags, but after their quality control process they whittled it down to 110. (Issues of consistent size and seam accuracy were their biggest concern)

two teams working at the back

From a teacher viewpoint it was terrific. I was machine trouble-shooter, but as I had spent the first week showing and having them all conduct a basic sewing machine maintenance -dust, oil, tension checks - I was able to just watch it all evolve. So I took some notes on group processes and cooperation. Lovely!

At the end of the task the group discussion about piece work and payment for jobs done was interesting!

Now to deliver them!

...they wanted a graduation shot - "Can we throw them in the air Miss?"

So here is my developed task. I've included assessment task, unit planner and assessment rubric. If you are a teacher in Australia you will know about the Australia Curriculum and all the machinations involved. My interpretation here is just that - an interpretation, and in it's early stages! I'm no expert but you are more than welcome to have a read and give me any feedback! ( I also generally share things as generic high school rather than my actual site, but I figure you know me and where I am anyway! :-) )

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Those of you in a classroom will know this is very exciting! Such was her confidence, Maddie decided to try this pattern and all I can say is SUCCESS!
Asking for clarification and advice rather than 'What do I do next?" Maddie did a brilliant job and is very proud of her work!

An inset zipper gusset for the top - unfortunately we didn't take a shot of her
fluro orange lining and pocket! WOW!

...adjustable straps and buckles - really serious bag making now!

I'm excited by her fabric combinations - a raid in the fabric store room at school of her own choices - and the way she went about the construction.

My work here is done!

....Unfortunately Maddie has not selected to study Year 10 Textiles and Fashion next year.... sigh......She leaves my class at the end of the year with a great range of skills and the confidence to interpret and problem solve from instructions to real applications. Cant argue with that!

The patterns is available from Monday via her website/blog. If you are looking for a bag with lost of possibilities, this one could be for you!

Fabric constraints meant I put one of the lining pocket across the back of the bag instead.
Undivided it fits a magazine or my tablet easily

I made mine without the handles - they look lovely but I really am a messenger bag across the body kind of girl...I did make a metric conversion mistake and the front placket is double the size of that in the pattern - probably shouldn't have done the conversion and drafting while my Year 10 class were sewing and asking for help with the base insertion on their oval cases!!

Fabrics from my stash" some Tilda for the lining, Spotlight home-deco weight for the main outer, a lovely piece of Phillip Jacobs for Rowan "Lilac Chintz" and some unknown remnant pieces from a Fabric Traders mystery bag . Coordinating pieces to limited size pieces of fabrics took a bit of time. Of course no one else know the combinations I could have used, so I don't know why that always takes so long....maybe its more like - "Do I want to use that special lovely bit for this project or save it for another?" Do you do that?

I made my strap adjustable but fixed at one end...in case I ever want ot make it into a short handle I can, by feeding the clip in end through the ring and back onto the ring I inserted on the strap at the back - the length of my fabric strap required a join - and a feature ring does the trick without the strap bulk a seam would create.

Sara's bags use a firm but easy to work with knit covered foam product. I use Inn-Control by Creative Craft Products, and buy it online through Punch with Judy here in Australia. Together with an iron on medium weight on lining pieces and the Inn Control on the outer it forms a good sturdy bag that holds it shape even when empty. I trim seam bulk away but you can leave it in place for a quilted look.

I have a couple of year 9 girls that would manage this one I think. One recently created a Noodlehead bag and did a brilliant job! I will pop the links and photo in a post for you!

Many things caught my eye. Here are a couple my scrap bag at school allowed....couldn't come at marking so I crafted! Do you do that?

The Tilda teaspoon lady is meant to live in a small china tea cup - I have a few - they need to be VERY small ( like a fancy child's tea set) but they are in the china collection at the back of the shed - and a million things are in front of it! I checked out all of the local op/ thrift shops around me with no luck so bought a new tiny 'gravy' boat for her.

The deer is sitting in an IKEA frame I had at home. (...as you do)
While I love the idea of fabric taxidermy, I'm a bit 'creeped out' by what it represents...the notion of killing animals and mounting their heads....I'll workshop through it of course! I thought of making three different sizes, as an homage to the three flying ducks on the wall idea! Probably wont though...a new project is always on the horizon!

Meanwhile they are sitting on my desk in the classroom and they promote a lot of discussion!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Oops! A WAY over due post for you!
Return of the classroom pics...projects completed by students recently! 'Show and Tell' time!

Year 8 Fold up shopping bags. Calico and scraps for the pockets. These students have blown me and themselves away! Being a short term we only have 4 weeks ( 4 x 50 minutes per week) to inspire and excite Year 8 about using a sewing machine for the first time! These students have created this in only 7 lessons! OK they are stars! Not evryone is that 'on the ball' but they are now looking at a couple of ideas they will develop and create into a softie! Last I overheard two of the girls wanted to make moustache shaped cushions! They'll bring sketches tomorrow for discussion! One boy wants to try a simple teddy. I love the variation of ideas.

Year 9 students have been making Buster from Happy Shiny World and a few have also broken away and negotiated to make other goodies that fit the brief!

Lily made her Buster in record time and wanted a challenge! Huge lined bag with zipper from Bags book. Top job!

Another negotiated project of the students own design! Donuts!

Same pattern, everyone so different! But all lovable and a good laugh!

10s are beginning to complete their oval vanity cases. Adaptations between Homemade magazine last year, You Sew Girl and U-Handbag versions.

They have all done such a fantastic job - especially when I remember the limited sewing experience most of them have! So proud! ...and they are too!

Mind you, there are a number that have made such SLOW progress....or a lack of! Pity, but creating isn't everyone's passion.

Now some cute shorts and skirts are in the making and a few wallets and purses...love it! But my mind has to do back flips a few times each lesson to help out each different students and project! Phew!

I was looking for a wallet or purse with a zippered coin section and enough room for cards that could be securely fastened quickly. It also needed be a quicker sew for my Year 10 girls looking to make another project in the last few weeks of term. A couple of them , very competent sewists, have completed their oval 'vanity' case and were looking at making the Sew Together Wallet I made previously. I thought they may struggle with the time left so I searched and came to the Swirl pattern.

....and the changes I decided to make...zipper end tabs and the addition of Vilene H360 iron on batting along with the firm woven iron on interfacing.....

Why?!!

Result, a bit too bulky and the loss of the crisp finish.. I originally added it thinking it would help smooth out and take up andy 'slack' in the wallet, keep it in a good shape once filled. No Need. Too thick and tricky to manipulate the sewing og the outer panel and zip. The zipper end tabs just complicated the fit. I will use a longer zip next time for sewing ease then trim back after with the tabs I think....see? Already making changes again! I must stop it!

Bag 'bling' in the shape of the lovely chrome "handmade" tab once again from Emmaline. Love them!

Will I make it again? Absolutely! Will I make it just as described? Yes.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Another use for those scrap pieces of fabric I create from the little bits I cant bear to throw out! My nightly blog reading brought me to one I regularly follow, Ric Rac. ....and there it was, a tea set! Fond of 'mix and matching' my vintage tea sets - I have enough for a small cafe or tea room I think - this project really appealed to me today.

I do love a bit of food related fabric sculpture. I've made cakes, crocheted vegetable and cakes, made fabric carrots for Easter, tweedy mince pies and puddings for Christmas

Unfortunately I don't see too many of my students having the patience to do all the hand sewing of fabric covered plastic discs and slightly fiddly button attachment at the cup handle, but it will sit on my desk in the classroom and be there for inspiration, and we will see who 'bites'!

I haven't made the teapot...yet, but enlarged the saucer to make a tea plate, for the cake of course!

I love Jodie's work! Her toys are fabulous and have a cheeky personality to them! I've previously made the disco bot and have yet to make the animal bag....but they are on the 'to do list' and the fabrics are sitting ready to go with each pattern in a large zip lock bag so I cant be tempted to use them on another project.

Monday, October 13, 2014

I started this post last week, thought I'd sew like a crazy girl in the holidays, but life took over. Does that happen to you too? Of course it does!

My travels through Pinterest brought me to this lovely post and ultimately to this pattern. I'm thinking my year 9 or 10 girls might like to make these. I have quite a bit of vintage sheeting I'm probably never going to use in a hurry and this pattern will fit the as 'new' edges of otherwise worn centre panels.

So it's mock up time! I will make one according to the original pattern and one in the same size using the modifications suggested in the blog post...and let the girls decide. ( the mind of a teen girl can be a tricky one to please...so either way I make them will not please them all and fabric may not be to their liking either....but I'll give it a try anyway.)

About 1 metre of some soft fabric and your away! As I don't have the 'small' body required in this mock up I've extrapolated the hip and leg sizes for elastic, so its a safety pin for each until 'a body' tries them on for me...I've used some soft lingerie elastic for the casings, but have left out the bows for this sample.

It's a quick little project that someone will make and then the others will probably try out!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Did you notice the themes red pink piece from my Boro jacket sewing preparation? I made an up-cycled messenger bag from it together with a collection of reused zippers, bag hardware and a strap!

I've put a pocket into the flap for keys and quick grab items, an inner pocket for lipstick, tissue pack and other bits and bobs and the overall bag is big enough to throw in 'Greenie' my tablet (yes, it has a name, doesn't yours?) and a book along with my wallet!
Mt glasses always end up in the bottom and I have to delve in to locate them when needed!

Interfaced with the calico backing and iron on batting ( Vilene H630). together with the calico and home deco scrap lining it has enough body but still soft enough to squish ...
It was good to be able to use everything from previous projects or items, only the thread and H630 was new or on hand as leftovers from other jobs, of course!

Its a no fuss, 'throw it on the floor' kind of bag, easy for school and a good size! Just a bit of fun to get back into the swing of sewing after a long time away!

....perfect for a week or two until I make another bag!....so many patterns so little time!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Here's a freebie you might like to make!
Craftsy has one from Sew Demented for you to download. I love a new pattern, and thought this one could become a new purse...with some adaptations for me.

Well, its a Saturday night, so lets get sewing!

Go to the stash...spend a rediculous amount of time labouring over the fabric choice...which scrap will I use...do I really want to cut into that piece for this bag?...do these look good together? Do i have enough zippers for this?...which interfacing and batting do I use, and have I got it?

Decision made, pattern drafted and ready to go. read instructions - these are only written, not illustrations or photos other than the completed project. You can scour the Internet to find a few if you need, otr look at mine!

Pin, cut, press, ready!

Oooo...a card pocket might be handy for all those I.D.s licence etc

I don't like the zips just being trimmed and fitting into the sides - too bulky...add tabs! (besides some of my zips weren't the exact size!)

read instructions! I put the pocket onto the wrong edge of the almost square piece!

Add tabs to create a total length of 9 inches - 23cm...much better!

While I also call lined pockets, with a zipper, "zipper sandwich" ( and the students look at me confused until they do one.....) I find I like to sew each layer in individually to secure the zip, sewing through the previous row of stitching in the final pass to ensure accuracy.

Not much for pinning, I place one to centre the zip!

Note to self - buy new zipper foot....the foot fell off the post and I did a 'MacGyver' repair job with a paper clip!

And so here I came to a halt - I am much more of a visual learner...I couldnt quite follow how the side panels worked...then I looked at my current purse and found a blog that also made this bag (interesting...eyes raised,.. OK...) Lightbulb moment! Ah-ha!

Side binding beginning to be attached

I did the side seam joining pockets to panel a bit too wide for my liking this time...I will decrease them to a smaller seam.

Final outer zipper with tab inverted around the lower edge and sewn into position

Manoeuvring the tab and topstitching onto the base

zipper done up - stitching all hidden underneath

Don't think I'll be using this one as a money purse! More like a clutch bag! Or seing kit, or shower/makeup bag! I can fit my current wallet into it! Give it a try! A good evening spent at the machine!

Hi Groovers!

I've just started keeping bees! I'm excited about this and decided to record my journey here.
I'm also a textiles teacher, always on the look out for a new idea to play with, sharing what happens in the classroom to provide inspiration and ideas...oh, yes, and a bit obsessed with making bags of all shapes and sizes!